#Socio-Economic Hardship

[dikoderbeatz]

The Mental Health Crisis Fueled by Corrupt Governance: A Call for Change

Bismark Kwabla Kpobi, Executive Director of ASK Health Advocacy Foundation, has raised serious concerns about the detrimental impact of government corruption on the mental health of citizens. Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources such as gold, bauxite, timber, crude oil, and cocoa, the populace continues to suffer due to the self-serving and corrupt practices of government…

[whencyclopedia]

Childbirth in Ancient Rome

Childbirth in ancient Rome was considered the main purpose of marriage. Roman girls married in their early teens, and in elite society, some married before they reached puberty. The legal age for marriage was 12 for a girl; 15 was accepted as being an age fit for conception.

The ability to produce a family was also an explicit political concern in Roman society. Emperor Augustus (r. 27 BCE to 14CE) was particularly troubled by the declining birth rate, especially amongst the upper classes, when he promoted legislation, the Julian Laws in 18 BCE and the Papia-Poppaean Laws in 9 CE, which included measures to promote marriage and reward freeborn women who had more than three children.

Risks & Mortality

There were many risks involved during pregnancy both for mother and child; Pliny the Younger (61 to c. 113 CE) in his Epistulae highlights those risks when he writes of his own young wife, who did not realise that she was pregnant and failed to take certain precautions resulting in her suffering a miscarriage and being gravely ill (8.10). He also writes of the tragedy of two young sisters whom he knew, who both died giving birth (Epist. 4.21.1-3). For any pregnant young girl in labour, physical immaturity could have an adverse effect on the possibility of a normal birth; the remains of a 16-year-old pregnant female discovered in Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, indicates that this girl may have died anyway struggling to give birth because her immature pelvis was too narrow.

The rates of child mortality at birth or in the first five years of life were high with one in three children dying in their first year, many within the first few weeks. Fronto (95-166 CE), the tutor of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180 CE), tells of his own personal experience of having lost five children, losing each one separately, each one being born at a time when he bereaved another (1.2 Fronto, To Antoninus Augustus ii. 1-2). To counteract mortality rates, fertility rates needed to be high, a woman in antiquity on average gave birth five or six times as some of those children would not survive. Certainly, the cases of maternal and infant mortality would have varied with the socio-economic classes in Roman society; families in the lower classes had to cope with hardship and poverty, and for the newborn, the risks of infant mortality were compounded by poor diet, poor sanitation, and poor medical knowledge.

Continue reading...

[suntears1037]

Re: Watcher's Stupid Ass Decision

As I have been watching the Watcher disaster unfold on both YouTube and on Tik-Tok. I have yet to see anyone bring forth this one fact.

The U.S. federal minimum wage is ONLY $7.25!

When your subscription service only leaves a person with $1.25 cents to their name is it really that affordable?

That is dismissing the REAL issue that 78% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck as well. (Not to say that only Americans make up their audience by any means but they make up a large sum of viewers)

So taking Steven Lim's dumbass statement that "Anyone and every body is able to afford it!" is tone deaf at best and horrifically inconsiderate and offensive at worst; given our worlds socio-economic structure, and the pain and hardships that so many working class people are battling currently.

When now, you only view the people who have given you your empire and luxury as a stepping stone and a tool to step on "One last time." as a means to climb the capitalistic ladder you tried to stray away from.

It truly makes me wonder if anyone on the Watcher team took time and consideration to understand their target audience at ALL.

[eternal-echoes]

“The university as a place of discernment. It is important to interpret reality by looking it in the face. Ideological or partial interpretations are useless; they only feed illusion and disillusionment. It is important to interpret reality, but also to live this reality without fear, without fleeing, without catastrophism. Every crisis, even the present one, is a passage, the pangs of a birth that involves struggle, hardship and suffering, but which bears within itself the new horizon of life, of a renewal, that carries the power of hope. And this is not a crisis of “change”: it is a crisis of “the change of an era”. It is an era that changes. These are not superficial changes of an era. A crisis can become a time of purification and and a time to rethink our socio-economic models and of a certain understanding of progress that fed illusions, in order to recover what is most fully human. Discernment is neither blind nor improvised: it is carried out on the basis of ethical and spiritual criteria; it involves asking oneself about what is good, it entails thinking about our own values regarding man and the world, a vision of the person in all his dimensions, especially the spiritual and transcendent; the person may never be considered “human material”! This, perhaps, is the suggestion lurking in functionalism. The University, as a place of “knowledge” has a very important role to play in forming students in discernment in order to nourish hope. When the unknown traveller, the Risen Jesus, approaches the two sad and disconsolate disciples of Emmaus, he does not try to hide the reality of the Crucifixion, of the apparent defeat that threw them into crisis. On the contrary, he invites them to interpret reality so as to to guide them to the light of His Resurrection: “O foolish men and slow of heart … Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Lk 24:25-26). To discern does not mean to escape, but rather to seriously interpret reality without prejudice.”

-Pope Francis, MEETING WITH THE ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL WORLD, Lecture Hall of the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia, Cagliari Sunday, 22 September 2013

[operafloozy]

November is Mizrahi Heritage Month, so this seems like a good time to remind people that Mizrahi Jews exist, both within and outside of Israel.

I'm not an expert, so I'm just going to link to a Jewish Voice for Peace (an Anti-Zionist Jewish group) Fact Sheet. Because it's a PDF and this is tumblr, I'll post some major points here.

Supporters of Israel dislike talking about MENA Jews because of racism within Israel and Israel portrays itself as European to soften their image with Americans and Europeans. Israel's detractors dislike talking about them because their existence muddies the White Euro Colonizer portrayal of Israelis. (OP commentary, not from the fact sheet)

Of 7 million Israelis, 35-40% are Mizrahim, 15% are Russian immigrants, 20% are Palestinian Israelis, 2.2% are Ethiopian, and 25-30% are Ashkenazi Jews and others. This means 55-60% of the Israeli population is ‘non-white’; together, Mizrahim and Palestinian Israelis form a majority.

Middle Eastern Jews immigrated to Israel for a variety of reasons related to each particular country’s economic, political, religious and national policies, messianic hopes and Israeli policies. Where one immigrated depended on socio- economic status and religiosity. Wealthier North African Jews ended up in Europe and America, as a rule.

Many MENA Jews can be considered refugees, immigrating due to persecution, pogroms, and economic hardship, though few of them refer to themselves as such.

On arrival [to Israel], some underwent humiliating experiences such as being sprayed with DDT. The Ringworm Children documentary highlights the tens of thousands of mostly North African children received high doses of radiation for ringworm, resulting in deaths and long-term effects including seizures, infertility, and cancers.

Despite being the majority Jewish population in Israel, Mizrahim are represented in small numbers in the Israeli Parliament and in elite positions such as professorships. Many still live in poor ‘development towns,’ agricultural Moshavim, or urban peripheries such as South Tel Aviv that receive fewer municipal funds than more central and majority-Ashkenazi Jewish cities, towns, and Kibbutzim

This information should not be used for:

This is not an excuse for genocide. What is happening in Gaza is 100% more important. I'm just sharing this with the hope that it enhances the way some of you talk about Israel.

This is not a case of 'good' brown Jews and 'bad' European Jews. There are plenty of MENA Jews within and outside of Israel that are Zionist. There are plenty of Ashkenazi Jews within and outside of Israel that are anti-Zionist. In both cases we're talking about large swathes of people who have disparate experiences, both within and outside of Western racial framework.

This should not be taken as support of the Israeli government. People continue to not be their governments.

[asanee44]

4 REASONS AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY IS GROWING IN POPULARITY

African spirituality has experienced a major resurgence throughout the African diaspora in recent years. While it is still considered taboo to some, African spirituality is growing in popularity among others, particularly among millennials. In fact, there appears to be a growing trend of people from all walks of life returning to their traditional spiritual practices.

Millennials and younger generations are much less apprehensive about embracing the spirituality of their forefathers. This is in sharp contrast to previous generations who empathically shunned African spiritual systems and their derivatives. These systems were misconstrued as forms of witchcraft or black magic primarily because of the influence of European thought. But now, more people throughout the African diaspora are starting to leave mainstream religious systems in favor of African spirituality.

I think that this shift is occurring as part of a global socio-spiritual awakening. Many refer to this phenomenon as the Age of Aquarius. Regardless of the title, there are definitely events that have been occurring globally that indicate a shift in our collective consciousness.

WHY AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY IS GROWING

In order for these changes to occur, there had to be some form of catalyst or uprising. In the case of increased interest, conversion, and reversion to African spirituality, many factors have spawned this shift. According to my research and experiences, these dynamics include discontentment, the need for healing, decolonization, and social trends.

DISCONTENTMENT

Like many others, people throughout the African diaspora have become disillusioned with the unfilled promises of Christianity and other religions. In their longing to witness the return of a savior, people are starting to become anxious, impatient, and discontent. Many people have simply lost hope in the possibility of this occurring in their lifetime or at all.

Above and beyond waiting for a rapture, people want to see a change in their day-to-day lives. African diaspora youths have watched their parents and grandparents suffer from the strongholds of slavery and its aftermath. They have seen their parents and grandparents struggle to survive while clinging to a savior god who doesn’t appear to be concerned about their hardships. Nor does this savior god seem to care about the global struggles of the African diaspora.

Many of them have become despondent with the status quo. They want to see change, and few believe that a long-awaited savior will initiate it. So, they are searching for answers, and many are finding the answers they seek in traditional African spiritual systems. A number of people who return to their traditions are beginning to experience peace and gain power, which is one reason for the increased growth of African spirituality.

HEALING

Many people throughout the African diaspora are suffering from insurmountable maladies. They have physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial issues that modern-day healing modalities can’t seem to address properly. African and African diaspora spiritual systems like Hoodoo, Haitian Vodou, Ifa, and others have historically been known to be beneficial in treating such maladies.

This is why many people are turning to African spirituality as an effective alternative to western religious, healthcare, and economic systems, etc. Individuals throughout the African diaspora are beginning to wake up to the mystical wisdom that their fore-parents possessed. Even other groups of people are seeking help from African spiritual systems for the same reason.

They realize that western modalities are not curative. Instead, they simply cover up symptoms to underlying problems. Conversely, African spirituality has provided effective, permanent solutions to many of the ills faced by people throughout the diaspora. And in turn, it has helped improve their overall well-being.

Africa Bag / Backpack – Bone Leather (Medium)

DECOLONIZATION

This socio-spiritual awakening traverses all aspects of society as people seek ways to decolonize European thought patterns. The black conscious community began to realize this shift in the early 2000s with the second wave of the natural hair movement. This led to many women and men embracing natural hairstyles such as afros, dreadlocks, twists, etc. These hairstyles had been historically frowned upon in westernized societies because they embody the essence of black power and cultural pride.

As such movements continue, the black conscious community likewise continues to grow and gain in momentum. This group has started making tremendous waves in religious and spiritual decolonization as well. Many individuals from this group are waking people up to the reality of spiritual colonization. They expose the insidious role of religions like Christianity and Islam in the enslavement and colonization of black people worldwide.

Such individuals want nothing to do with what they consider to be the “slave master’s religion.” Many from these groups are turning to African spirituality as a means of honoring their ancestral heritage and decolonizing from religious superiority. A number of them have found comfort and solace in returning to their roots and culture for these very reasons.

SOCIAL TRENDS

As with all things in society, trends play an overwhelming role in societal shifts. In modern times, the journeys, lessons, and knowledge of those who have chosen to embrace African spirituality are being cataloged through social media. As more spiritually-curious individuals see this trend introduced through social media, more of them have started embracing African spirituality as well.

However, not everyone involved in this movement will wholeheartedly adopt African spirituality as a way of life. Many onlookers will only engage with African spiritual systems from the periphery.

A number of people may read a few articles or books about the topic, others may attend services in African spiritual circles, and some may even seek out divination services. However, overall everyone who engages with African spirituality will not be a lifelong adherent to such systems.

And that’s okay. Speaking as an African American devotee of two African spiritual systems, I know that African spirituality is not for everyone. I believe that people should be led by their intuition. This may mean fully embracing African spirituality for a moderate few, only observing it for some, or being totally repulsed by it for others. Either way, the journey for those who choose to embrace this path will continue.

If you are interested in learning more about African spirituality and why it is growing, check out these resources.

Learn more about African Spirituality in this episode of the African Spirit Reintegrated + Reimagined:

[womenfrommars]

Hey, Juno, how you're doing? If you don't mind, I'd like to know your opinion on a trans issue. I had my peak trans moment almost two weeks ago and I've been in contact with gender critical rhetoric ever since. Recently, I came across a reflection about how weirdly powerful the Trans movent is, changing laws (even the legal definition of sex), conquering spaces in politics, media and uni programs... Something other social movements, like feminism and the black movement never did (not like the trans movement at least). And I do agree in a way, but I can't help being skeptical about the strength of this idea when we witness trans folks being murdered, suffering because of lack of opportunities, being kicked away from home... In a way, I do believe the Trans movement is uncommonly powerful and that's sus, but at the same time I accept trans folks still face a lot of hardships because of their gender identity. Is it wrong to assume both things at the same time?

Hi anon, I don't think these ideas are necessarily inherently contradictory. The fact a political movement (in this case, the transgender movement) is gaining momentum doesn't necessarily translate into the idea that the average transsexual has a wonderful life. The transgender movement claims to advocate for transgenders but personally I find it doubtful to what degree they succeed in doing so. They mostly advocate for legal changes which are supposed to benefit the social and mental well-being of transgenders. Think making it easy to legally alter your gender, or make cross-sex hormones more financially affordable. But studies indicate the overall quality of life of transgenders is not tremendously improved post-ex reassignment surgery. Most notably the rate of suicidality is just as high as pre-surgery.

I find that the transgender movement can be very manipulative with statistics. It is claimed that only 3% of transgenders have regrets about their transition. This figure is based on a Dutch follow-up study that exclude roughly 30% of the initial patients from the follow-up. Either they refused to cooperate with the study or they couldn't be reached. So we have no idea what happened to this group. Lots of detransitioners feel resentful to the point they cut off all contact with their doctors so many are not included in follow-up trials. And it is sad to say but it is definitely a possibility some died of suicide

Another example is the homocide rate of transgenders. Most figures being thrown around are based on studies in South America that mostly follow transsexual prostitutes. Those people are not representative of Western, middle-class transgenders at all. Even when you take a look at the homocide rate for US-based transgenders, it is significantly higher than the US national average yes, but that actually disappears when you account for racial background. The vast majority of the victims are Afro-American and to a lesser degree Latino American. The homocide rate for white American transgenders is lower than the US national average (and also lower than that for white Americans specifically). It is hard to find statistics that account for other factors such as sexual orientation and socio-economic background. I think most of the hardships that some transgenders face can be best explained by them being homosexual and/or of being of an ethnic minority, usually combined with lower income. I bet you have heard various stories in the media about the suffering of transsexuals, and 9 out of 10 times, they showcase a homosexual transsexual rather than a heterosexual one, despite the fact that in clinics today, most male-to-female patients are heterosexual. The ones who are kicked out of their parental home, who end up in prostitution, get involved with drugs, etc etc are from what I can tell almost always MTF homosexual

I really implore you to look more into these matters as statistics can be very easily manipulated to fit a certain political narrative. That is not to say we should not also have compassion for those who do suffer and look for social and political solutions. But fast-tracking pre-pubescent children into a transition process is very unlikely to increase well-being for the transgender population, which is the usual answer coming from the transgender movement

[mallowmaenad]

thing ive been musing about thats too nuanced to actually discussed on here: the parallel of community headcanons of characters being transgender in one direction or another vs. the commonality of literary themes of masculinity and manhood as a curse, punishment or hardship vs. masculinity and manhood as a reward, blessing or accomplishment especially under the lense of a modern patriarchal society and the more specific filter of that kind of art as enjoyed by queer online countercultural groups especially fandoms. ultimately i think people dont put enough thought into this stuff so i will pivot my thought process to the socio-economic conditions of living in equestria and its desperate facimile of an inherently capitalist utopia and what that means for the lower class and disenfranchised in this fucking cartoon made for little girls

[teafiend]

Thoroughly enjoyed the shamanism/shamanistic, folkloric and supernatural horror base of the show. The mysteries were quite engaging as well. Performances were obviously top-notch, and storylines wonderfully coherent and solid too.

Skipped parts of the last three episodes but due to bits and pieces here, got most of the storyline still. Ended beautifully and hopeful.

A superb 8.0-8.2.

The themes the show touched on varies and fascinatingly relevant, and I thought weaved into the folkloric and shamanistic aspects well. Human greed, wickedness, the sociopathy of the rich/powerful, will-to-live/survive, family/generational trauma, economic hardship, a sprinkle of socio-economic issues in South Korea were threaded logically and with sensitivity.

That said, the emotions about those issues could be better provoked. This was a mostly cerebral show for me, and moved me more in the mind than heart. Still excellent though.

I think one could write reams of paper on the issues brought up here though, no least the sociological aspects of the folkloric and supernatural as it pertains to human activities and emotions. Am sure there are already studies/research about those, but the show weaved them together fascinatingly.

Could not help but feel for poor Lee Hyang-Gi and her younger sister - Mok Dan - too. They were innocents in this, and hard to fault the poor girl for doing what she did after everything she had to go through. All blame were on the older Yeoms (and the shaman; even to an extent, the parents and villagers) and their greed and wickedness (which is par for the course of the privileged, especially). And of course, girls are always - commonly - the first to be sacrificed 😡🤬😭😭😭

The more sobering fact is the show and its world is considered “reality” in certain parts of the world, and not merely fiction. The use of the supernatural to further one’s ambitions, unwholesome intentions etc are common for some people. Not that I personally think they work, just that some people certainly swear by its effectiveness.

All said though, nothing wins over “The Guest” for me personally. To be fair, while both shows share certain themes, they are quite different, and I have enjoyed both, though my heart will always remain with TG. I mean, I am still shipping the characters from TG even when I have to do it alone. The shipping potential for “Revenant” is definitely there as well, and I have read a few lovely fanfic for San Yeong/Hae Sang, so there is that. San Yeong and Hong Sae would be sweet too.

Glad I finally jumped in and completed the show. Well worth the time spent on it.

Mini-rant:

Me and SBS non-Romance dramas: 왜❓(Wae/Why?!)

What is it with SBS and the non-shippable vibes of some of its shows?

I started “Revenant” with a ship (already read a few fics) and came out the other end 😅🤔🫠 This is not the first time either. Non-Romances usually have some good chemistry too, yet 😬🫥

Solid writing, memorable performances and beautiful directing with a sleek feel etc, yet the chemistry stayed firmly platonic (for me). Why???

There must be something in the “sauce” of SBS dramas which blocks my shipping-vibes antennae. Just a roundly weird phenomenon 🫠😭😔😥

[coralpenguincherryblossom]

covid and mental health

By Rachel Shannon

Everyone can relate to the fact that covid was a stressful period in our human existence. Some people struggled more than others but no hardship should be weighed or compared to one another's. It was both a tribulation and a learning experience. Before covid, we lived in a very rushed Society. The work day was 9-5 Monday through Friday, we never thought to challenge it. Now post covid, some people don't work on Mondays or have half a day on Fridays, or some people work completely remote which never used to be an option. We now take more time for our emotional health and embrace therapy which for decades previously was considered taboo.  To get to this point, Society had to face some tough adversities which include mental health decline in Victoria Australia, harsh discriminatory challenges for Asian Americans, and radical transitions for college students. These three scenarios are just a few examples of some of the many ways in which covid impacted our mental health. These situations brought awareness to the way we view and treat mental health.

Since covid, intentional self-harm rates skyrocketed in Victoria Australia due to lack of employment opportunities and social isolation. While young people are less susceptible to covid, the pandemic did disproportionately affect their psychosocial development, as social connectedness and social identity are important factors in youth. Suicide attempt hospitalization rates ranged from 77.4 to 97.9 events per 100,000 population between 2012-2013 and 2019-2020. Rates were higher outside of urban areas. It is estimated that the self-harm hospitalization rates in Greater Melbourne was 75.9 per 100,000 population compared to 112.0 per 100,000 population in the rest of Victoria. The Victorian mental health system was extensively evaluated by the Royal Commission on the advice of the Victorian government. The Royal Commission found  that the state's mental health system was unable to respond to the needs of the people suffering from mental illness or psychological distress, unsuitable to meet current and future demands, and an urgent need for reform. 

“Pre-existing individual factors, such as poorer physical health, a history of chronic illness, or pre-existing mental health problems, have been associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression during COVID-19. Other individual factors may be important too, for example introverted individuals are somewhat less likely to have high quality social support systems compared to extraverts. Consistent evidence shows that adults experiencing pre-existing socio-economic disadvantages face increased mental health problems related to COVID-19.” (Westrupp,”et al.”2023)

While Westrupp explains that pre-existing conditions occurred in parents and children in Victoria before covid, these conditions were made worse from government restrictions and shutdowns.

Since covid, the Asian-American population have faced intense racial discrimination which include verbal harassment and physical assault. This is mainly due to media outlets blaming China for the pandemic.  A recent Pew Research Center report found that approximately 31% of Asian American adults reported being the subject of slurs or jokes because of their race or ethnicity, and about 58% of Asian American adults shared that it is more common for people to express racist or racially insensitive views about Asians than it was before the covid-19 outbreak. The increase in racial discrimination against Asian Americans during the covid-19 pandemic has also contributed to covid-19 discrimination fear, which exacerbated mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. 

“Anti-Asian racism has always been present in the US society for over 150 years, though it has been encoded in different vocabulary and language in different periods of time.”(Adachi,2022).

Adachi explains that the “Yellow Peril” which is described as western fears of Asians, especially Chinese, would invade their land and disrupt western values, started as far back as the 1870s. Although these fears already existed, there has been an uptick in racial discriminatory acts since covid due to media outlets and politicians. 

Covid took a strain particularly on college students. College is already a stressful time for young adults then covid added the pressure of social distancing, working remotely and in extreme cases leaving their dorm and finding residence elsewhere. Many may argue that stress among college students is unrelated to covid and that it’s been an ongoing issue for some time. McLafferty writes that a survey was conducted of students who attended college in Northern Ireland in the fall of 2019, then again a year later found that high levels of mental health problems were already present among students commencing college. Although college students were already struggling before the pandemic, it’s important to understand that covid exacerbated pre-existing mental health conditions.

“Students assessed post pandemic reported significantly more symptoms of anxiety and depression than students assessed pre pandemic, and these two cohorts are reporting more symptoms in many areas than a cohort of students assessed 25 years earlier.”(Nails,2023). 

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic made the Victorian government aware of the urgent need for better mental health care for their people, brought to light the racial injustice of Asian-Americans, and showed the massive strain covid had on college students. These three situations highlight the severity in which covid affected our mental health. After the pandemic, it was realized that mental health care was at the bottom of the list of priorities. This awareness led to changes such as flexible working conditions and more need for therapy. Therapy also became more available remotely. Not only should we spread awareness on the issue of mental health but we should also take combative steps to help such as make therapy more affordable and hire more mental health providers. Unfortunately it took this catastrophic event to make us open our eyes. With this better awareness and understanding, we as a society can tackle mental health issues head on. 

Vacher, C., Ho, N., Skinner, A., Robinson, J., Freebairn, L., Lee, G. Y., Iorfino, F., Prodan, A., Song, Y. J. C., Jo-An Occhipinti, & Hickie, I. B. (2022). Optimizing Strategies for Improving Mental Health in Victoria, Australia during the COVID-19 Era: A System Dynamics Modelling Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11), 6470. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116470

Westrupp, Bennett, Berkowitz, Youssef, Toumbourou, Tucker, Andrews, Evans, Teague, Karantzas, Melvin, Olsson, Macdonald, Greenwood, Mikocka-Walus, Hutchinson, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Stokes, Olive, Wood, Feb2023, child, parent, and family mental health and functioning in Australia during COVID-19: comparison to pre-pandemic data

Huang, C. J., & Huang, C. Y. (2023, December 21). The Moderating Role of Emotion Regulation Strategies on Asian American Parents’ Discrimination Experiences and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/ort0000714

Adachi, Nobuko, 2022, Yellow Peril Redux: Vitalizing Pre-Existing Racial Conditions with a New Symbol

Nails, Julianna. “A Crisis in College Student Mental Health? Self-Ratings of Psychopathology Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 11 Nov. 2023, psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-78779-001

McLafferty, Ward, Walsh, O’Neill, Bjourson, McHugh, Brown, McBride, Brady, Murray, Nov 2023, College Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Prior to and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

[rakiyaworldcinema]

The motorcycle diaries

"The Motorcycle Diaries" traces the formative experiences of a young Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado across South America in the 50s. Directed by Walter Salles, the film is an adaptation of Guevara's own diaries, offering a glimpse into the defining moments that shaped his political awakening. Ernesto, a 23-year-old medical student, and Alberto, a biochemist, embark on a road trip across Latin America on a rickety motorcycle named La Poderosa (The Mighty One). A carefree exploration of the continent's beauty and youthful escapades transforms into a soul-stirring expose, revealing the harsh realities of the impoverished and marginalized. The journey commences in Buenos Aires meandering through various terrains, diverse cultures, and socio-economic conditions. Ernesto and Alberto bear witness to the profound disparity between the affluent and the destitute. Their encounters with the marginalized and oppressed challenge their preconceptions, igniting a social consciousness within them. This awakening acts as the catalyst for Ernesto's transformation from an idealistic youth into the revolutionary icon, Che The pivotal moment occurs when Ernesto and Alberto volunteer at a leper colony in Peru. The experience profoundly impacts Ernesto, challenging his views on healthcare, societal inequality, and the exploitation of the vulnerable. Witnessing the suffering of the patients and the lack of resources propels Ernesto's commitment to serving humanity, planting the seeds of his future revolutionary ideologies. The film beautifully captures the breathtaking landscapes of South America. The cinematography underscores the duality of beauty and hardship, emphasizing the dichotomy between the picturesque landscapes and the harsh reality faced by marginalized communities. As the duo traverses the continent, the motorcycle becomes a metaphor for their evolving perspectives and the transformative nature of their expedition. "The Motorcycle Diaries" is not merely a travelog; it's a coming-of-age tale that chronicles the awakening of social consciousness and the birth of revolutionary Ultimately, shedding light on the humanistic values that fueled Che Guevara's unwavering commitment to social justice and equality. It stands as a testament to the transformative potential of travel and the power of witnessing inequality firsthand.

[bookandcover]

The latest read for our family’s Anti-Racism Book Club, and a book that was highly recommended by several friends, The Three Mothers is an eye-opening labor of love. In exploring and centering the lives and stories of Louise Little, Alberta King, and Berdis Baldwin, this book strives to remember these women in the context of their three influential families and to show the dramatic, international impact these woman had throughout their lives. Both through the ways in which they raised, nurtured, and taught their children, and in their direct activism work, these women have shaped the course of American history. 

This book is a powerful refocusing of our lens onto three lives that have been little documented and under-celebrated. It is also engaging and a page-turner. These women lived such extraordinary lives—at times tragically sad, at times transcendently joyful—that they leap off the page. As someone who often struggles to make it through nonfiction, I sprinted through this book, riveted on every page, in awe of these women and their narratives. From the love Berdis maintained while interacting with her mentally-ill and abusive husband to Louise’s traumatic loss of her husband to deliberate and racist murder ruled as suicide, I was moved and horrified in turn to learn what these women had gone through. They were able to live and love in spite of so many hardships, undiminished by them. 

The contrasts and comparisons among these women are artfully drawn. As author Anna Malailka Tubbs emphasizes, together the show a much more complex portrait of Black motherhood than they would alone. They experienced different socio-economic backgrounds, different frameworks of familial support, different environments and communities. They respond differently to the perils of their world, to decisions about marriages and careers, to trials of loss and change. Within these differences, they are empowered. They are active agents who shape their lives and their families, even when systems stand against them. The historical context this book provided was also illuminating. The time period examples of Black life during Jim Crow and segregation, the Great Migration, the impacts of the Great Depression and two World Wars, really helped me to see the forces of the time that shaped these women’s lives. The book did a wonderful job balancing awareness of the racism and sexism these women faced every single day, while centering these women as empowered individuals able to shape their futures and the futures of their children. This seemed, to me, like a difficult narrative balance to strike in crafting a book like this and it was powerfully done. 

I felt this book breaking down some of my assumptions and biases as I read. Over the past few years, I have been increasingly attuned to narratives that are silenced—because of race, because of gender—but I could feel myself needing to deconstruct assumptions around motherhood and “traditional female roles” as I read. I do think I hold a set of “less than” assumptions about the pathway of being a wife/mother. I do think I have frowned upon women who give up their career to be a wife/mother primarily (despite, or perhaps because of, having seen my own mother do this.) I have frowned upon these women—not in terms of their choice—but out of some frustration at seeing brilliant women choose a life pathway that does not put their intellectual impacts in the public eye. I think I needed to tackle these assumptions in reading this book, appreciating in new ways how my long-held perspective is, too, a kind of silencing. Simply because wives/mothers’ contributions are not visible in the way I expect or hope for (and my expectations/hopes for “worth” and “impact” are absolutely those defined by the patriarchy) I was quicker to dismiss them. After reading this book, I have a new appreciation for the ways in which choosing motherhood is an inherently feminist act, one that does not bow to the demands of the patriarchy in terms of what “worth” and “impact” look like. I needed to examine myself as I read. 

Beyond the strong anti-racism and anti-sexism work of the project of this book, beyond the thoughtful themes connecting and the history contextualizing these women, this book was a rewarding read on the level of my knowledge of these women’s stories. I could not believe that some of this information was new to me (Alberta King was assassinated?? Martin Luther King Jr’s brother A.D. also died under mysterious circumstances??) I was shocked that this was information I had never heard before about the King family, and I shared it with my dad, both of us exclaiming in confusion about how essential this information seemed to the narrative of MLK’s life, context, and battle for racial equality. Even in telling the stories of MLK’s life (let alone the life of Alberta King herself), we have received such a fragmented picture, a picture that highlights certain details and completely erases other essential events. These specific examples about the lives of the King family—two of many such examples about the lives of all three families—struck me as I read this book with a heavy appreciation of my blindness, born of deliberate erasure and prioritizing particular narratives in the education I have received. I want to work to counteract this. It takes a lot of work because the narratives and assumptions we hold are so strongly engrained. 

[weather-usa]

Torrential rain and flood risks loom over Florida's Gulf Coast as remnants of Tropical Storm Sara move through the region.

Tropical Storm Sara, the eighteenth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, caused significant flooding in Honduras and Nicaragua as it slowly moved through the region.

Climate and Average Weather Year Round in 49093 - Three Rivers MI:

Millions along the U.S. Gulf Coast, from New Orleans to the Florida Peninsula, are bracing for a widespread rain event this week, driven by a powerful storm system bringing severe weather to the Plains and the remnants of former Tropical Storm Sara.

The FOX Forecast Center predicts that a cold front will move through the region from late Monday to Wednesday, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Forecast models indicate that the heaviest rainfall is likely along the Interstate 10 corridor, with widespread totals of 2-3 inches and localized areas receiving 3-5 inches.

Cities like New Orleans, Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, are positioned to receive the heaviest rainfall, while the rest of the Florida Peninsula is expected to see lighter amounts.

The exact impacts will depend on how much moisture flows northward from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico with the remnants of the tropical storm. Early indications suggest this moisture influx will be relatively modest compared to previous Central American gyres and atmospheric river events.

The FOX Forecast Center warns that high rainfall rates could result in flooding late Monday into Tuesday along the Gulf Coast, with the greatest risk in southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.

Weather Forecast For 94080 South San Francisco CA:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/204897683/Weather-Forecast-For-94080-South-San-Francisco-CA

The heaviest rain is expected overnight Monday into Tuesday, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions as drivers may struggle to gauge water depth on flooded roadways.

Due to this threat, Flood Watches have been issued along the I-10 corridor from Louisiana to Mississippi, including cities such as New Orleans, Houma, and Slidell in Louisiana, as well as Biloxi in Mississippi.

Catastrophic Flooding Devastates Honduras from Tropical Storm Sara

Despite being hindered by hostile upper-level winds, dry air, and land interaction that prevented it from strengthening into a hurricane, Tropical Storm Sara caused catastrophic flooding in countries like Honduras and Nicaragua.

The region's terrain and socio-economic challenges make these countries particularly vulnerable to flooding and natural disasters.

In 2020, aid organizations estimated that over a quarter of a million people were displaced following Hurricanes Eta and Iota, while in 1998, Hurricane Mitch claimed more than 11,000 lives.

Similar warnings issued to the Appalachians ahead of Hurricane Helene were used to alert Central American residents about the dangers posed by Tropical Storm Sara.

See more:

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50050

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50051

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50052

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50054

https://weatherus.org/zip-code/weather-50055

"There is a significant history of deadly floods in Honduras. I was there after Hurricane Mitch, and it was one of the most tragic experiences of my life," said FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross. "Entire hillsides collapsed, wiping out homes, with families still inside. This happens in Honduras, particularly in the mountainous regions. Economically, many people in the area face great hardship. All indications suggest that this could be another devastating event for Honduras."

[morganablenewsmedia]

Pathways To Escape The Cycle Of Almajiri Hardship

The Almajiri system is a long-standing social and educational phenomenon in Northern Nigeria that continues to challenge the region’s development. Originating from an Islamic tradition of sending young children to religious teachers for Quranic education, the Almajiri system has evolved into a complex issue with significant socio-economic and security consequences. Today, the Almajiri system is…

[shifasaman]

Delve into the fascinating revisit of the Marshmallow Test, where delayed gratification meets the reality of economic pressures. This exploration reveals how self-control isn’t just an individual trait but one deeply influenced by socio-economic backgrounds. Learn how external challenges reshape the ability to wait for rewards and what this means for interpreting success. Discover the complex dynamics between willpower, financial hardship, and future achievement, shedding light on why some succeed against the odds and others struggle. Read more in this compelling analysis of psychology and context.

Read the full article here.

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[drkarenhawk]

The Role of Psychologists Like Dr. Karen Hawk in Arizona's Mental Health Landscape

In recent years, the importance of mental health has become a more central conversation in Arizona, as it has across the nation. As communities face increasing challenges like economic stress, natural disasters, and social isolation, the need for quality mental health care has never been greater. Psychologists like Dr. Karen Hawk are at the forefront of Arizona's mental health landscape, providing vital services to individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Hawk’s work highlights the crucial role psychologists play in mental health care—helping people navigate their emotional and psychological struggles, fostering resilience, and promoting overall well-being.

In this blog, we’ll explore how psychologists like Dr. Karen Hawk are shaping Arizona's mental health environment, their specific contributions, and the ways in which they support individuals and communities in times of need.

1. Providing Expert Psychological Support for Individuals

One of the primary roles of Dr Karen Hawk psychologist Arizona is to provide expert psychological support to individuals grappling with a wide range of mental health issues. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or stress, psychologists are trained to offer the evidence-based therapeutic interventions necessary to help people process and heal.

In Arizona, a diverse state with a growing population, mental health challenges are widespread. High rates of stress, depression, and anxiety have been linked to various factors, including economic hardships, natural disasters, and the fast-paced lifestyle in urban areas. Many individuals in Arizona are also dealing with the lingering effects of trauma, particularly in areas that have been impacted by wildfires or economic instability. As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Hawk specializes in trauma-informed care, which is a therapeutic approach that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment when treating clients who have experienced trauma.

Psychologists like Dr. Hawk utilize various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and psychodynamic therapy to help individuals understand their emotions, improve coping strategies, and build healthier thought patterns. Dr. Hawk’s ability to tailor therapy to each person’s unique needs ensures that individuals in Arizona receive the best care possible, one that addresses the root causes of their issues, not just the symptoms.

Moreover, psychologists like Dr Karen Hawk psychologist do more than treat mental illness—they also support personal growth. They help clients build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms that lead to long-term well-being. In a state where the effects of climate, isolation, and socio-economic factors can be particularly pronounced, psychologists offer a critical resource for individuals who need help managing stress, uncertainty, and life transitions.

2. Promoting Mental Health Education and Awareness

In Arizona, as in many places across the U.S., there is still a significant stigma surrounding mental health care. Despite growing awareness, many individuals still hesitate to seek therapy due to fears of judgment or misunderstanding. Psychologists like Dr. Hawk play an essential role in promoting mental health education and dismantling these stigmas.

Through public speaking engagements, workshops, community outreach programs, and media appearances, Dr. Hawk works to normalize conversations about mental health. Her involvement in educating the public about mental health issues helps increase awareness about common conditions like anxiety and depression and encourages individuals to seek help before problems become overwhelming.

Dr Karen Hawk psychologist also works to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in overall well-being, which can sometimes be overshadowed by physical health. By addressing the emotional and psychological components of health, psychologists help communities understand that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves equal attention and care.

Additionally, by providing psychoeducation in therapy sessions, Dr. Hawk empowers clients with knowledge about their mental health conditions. This knowledge helps clients gain a sense of control and agency over their treatment, allowing them to actively engage in their healing journey and improve their mental well-being.

3. Supporting Families and Relationships

Psychologists like Dr. Hawk also play a critical role in supporting families and relationships in Arizona. Family dynamics can often be strained by stressors like financial hardship, parenting challenges, grief, or relationship issues. In such situations, family therapy and couples counseling become invaluable tools for healing and restoring balance within the home.

Dr Karen Hawk psychologist works with families and couples to help them navigate conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. For instance, many families in Arizona are dealing with the fallout of economic stress or the emotional impacts of loss or trauma. Dr. Hawk’s systemic approach to family therapy recognizes that issues within the family unit often affect each individual in different ways. By working with the family as a whole, Dr. Hawk helps each member better understand each other’s perspectives, reduce misunderstandings, and develop healthier patterns of interaction.

In couples therapy, Dr. Hawk addresses the emotional challenges that arise in romantic relationships, helping partners to improve trust, resolve conflicts, and rekindle emotional connections. The stresses of daily life, financial concerns, and raising children can often put strain on relationships, but with the right support, couples can rebuild stronger foundations. Dr. Hawk’s therapeutic techniques allow couples to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and communicate in a way that fosters intimacy and mutual respect.

Additionally, Dr. Hawk’s work with families provides an opportunity for parents to learn better strategies for managing behavior, coping with stress, and supporting each other. Given the challenges that many families in Arizona face, including financial instability and the demands of modern life, family therapy can make a profound difference in their overall quality of life.

4. Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Care

One of the most important contributions of psychologists like Dr. Hawk is their ability to bridge gaps in mental health care, especially in underserved or rural communities. Arizona is a large state with both urban hubs like Phoenix and Tucson and more remote areas where mental health services may be scarce. Many individuals in these areas face barriers to accessing care, including limited resources, financial constraints, and a shortage of mental health professionals.

Dr. Hawk’s ability to offer telehealth services has made therapy more accessible to people who may otherwise not have been able to receive treatment. Whether clients live in the outskirts of Maricopa County, the rural areas of Yuma, or the desert regions of Northern Arizona, Dr. Hawk ensures that her therapy services are available to individuals across the state. This is particularly important in Arizona, where the population is rapidly growing and the mental health needs are diverse.

Through her work with underserved populations, Dr. Hawk also tailors her therapeutic approach to address the unique challenges these communities face. For example, in rural areas, the experience of isolation and limited social support can exacerbate mental health conditions. In these cases, Dr. Hawk helps clients develop coping strategies that take into account the specific difficulties of living in a remote area, while also supporting them in building stronger social networks.

5. Crisis Intervention and Support

Psychologists like Dr. Hawk are often called upon to provide crisis intervention when individuals face acute emotional distress, including during times of natural disaster, financial crisis, or community trauma. Arizona, a state prone to wildfires, droughts, and other environmental challenges, frequently experiences traumatic events that can leave communities shaken. During such crises, Dr. Hawk offers support through individual therapy, group counseling, and community-based interventions.

Dr. Hawk’s experience in trauma-informed care means that she is well-equipped to address the emotional aftermath of such events. She helps individuals process the psychological impact of a crisis, normalize their reactions, and develop strategies to cope with the ongoing stress. By providing immediate support and guidance, psychologists like Dr. Hawk help communities recover emotionally and regain a sense of control in the wake of trauma.

6. Advocating for Mental Health Policy and Resources

Beyond her direct work with clients, Dr. Hawk is also a vocal advocate for improving mental health policy in Arizona. By working with local organizations, government bodies, and advocacy groups, she helps to raise awareness about the importance of increasing funding for mental health services, expanding access to care, and addressing disparities in treatment.

As a mental health professional, Dr. Hawk understands that systemic change is necessary to improve the mental health landscape in Arizona. By advocating for more resources, better access to care, and policies that promote mental health wellness, Dr. Hawk plays a vital role in making mental health services more available and equitable for all Arizonans.

Conclusion

Psychologists like Dr. Karen Hawk are critical pillars of Arizona’s mental health care system. From providing expert therapy for individuals dealing with a range of emotional and psychological struggles, to promoting awareness and education, to advocating for systemic changes, Dr. Hawk’s work helps improve the lives of countless people in Arizona. Whether through trauma recovery, family therapy, crisis intervention, or community outreach, psychologists like Dr. Hawk provide essential services that foster mental and emotional well-being across the state. In a rapidly evolving world, the role of psychologists is more important than ever, and their impact on Arizona’s mental health landscape is profound, far-reaching, and invaluable.